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Activities

Missouri's state parks and historic sites provide untold ways to get away. Feel like traveling back in time? Tours at historic sites can help you do that. Want to do some ORV riding? Two state parks provide two of the best places in the state to go off-roading.

Feeling the need to wet a line? Many parks have streams and lakes to fish in -- and three of the nation's destination trout fishing sites are in Missouri's state parks.

Summer too hot? Missouri's parks have enough swimming holes to keep you cool. Love birding? Abundant trees and wetlands make Missouri's spots a prime location for spotting rare birds.

More than 1,000 miles of trails make Missouri's parks a dream for hikers, bicyclists and backpackers. Some of those trails allow equestrian access, too, so riders can get it away from it all.

Need a place to stay? Many of our parks have lodging and camping options.

Want to fly your drone? There are no laws prohibiting drones on state park grounds, but we do ask that you keep it to the main, open day-use areas and be respectful of other visitors in the park. If you will be taking photos for professional use or sale, there would be a process to go through to gain approval for that.

  • backpacking

Backpacking

Backcountry camping, or “backpacking,” can be the ultimate experience for hikers.
  • bicycling

Bicycling

Bicycling is one of the most popular activities in Missouri’s state parks, and it’s not hard to see why.
  • boating

Boating

Nine Missouri state parks are located on large manmade lakes that are among the Midwest’s most popular spots for boating, fishing and other water sports.
  • camping

Camping

The smell of dinner on the grill, the anticipation of s'mores around the campfire and the sound of laughing kids splashing in a stream are all memories of that favorite camping trip in a Missouri state park campground.
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Canoeing/Kayaking

Canoes and kayaks can be rented at several parks for use on lakes within or bordering the park.
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Cave Tours

Missouri, long known as the “Cave State,” has almost 6,400 caves, and Missouri State Parks showcases four of the best for public tours.
  • dining

Dining

The natural beauty and outdoor activities in Missouri state parks set the stage for hearty appetites, and dining opportunities in 12 state parks will fill every need.
  • fishing

Fishing

There are few things as thrilling as that first tug on the line, the tip of the fishing pole nodding toward the water.
  • hiking

Hiking

Anyone eager to explore the state’s natural beauty on foot can rough it as much or as little as they like.
  • historic-site-tours

Historic Site Tours

Visitors to Missouri’s state historic sites have a wealth of experiences awaiting them, from touring Civil War battlefields to seeing where Harry S Truman and Mark Twain were born.
  • horseback-riding

Horseback Riding

Horseback riders are welcome at 16 Missouri state parks where equestrian trails often wind through wilderness settings.
  • interpretive-programs

Interpretive Programs

Missouri’s interesting history and its outstanding natural landscapes are two aspects that make the Missouri state park system a great place to visit.
  • lodging

Lodging

Make Missouri State Parks Your Home Away From Home Nature waits outside your door when you spend the night in a Missouri state park.
  • metal-detecting

Metal Detecting

For those seeking to discover a hidden treasure, metal detecting is allowed in certain areas in 11 state parks; however, registration is required.
  • orv-riding

ORV Riding

Off-road enthusiasts have two state parks to explore Missouri’s outdoors from a different angle.
  • orienteering

Orienteering

Orienteering can be an important way to find your way from one spot to another, and it can also be an enjoyable outdoor sport.
  • picnicking-shelters

Picnicking/Shelters

Most Missouri state parks, and many of the state historic sites, have picnic tables and barbecue grills for outdoor outings.
  • playgrounds

Playgrounds

Missouri state parks and historic sites provide the perfect setting to “get out and play,” and playgrounds are a great way to do it.
  • rock-climbing-rappelling

Rock Climbing/Rappelling

Many Missouri state parks are home to impressive rock formations, especially those in the Ozarks.
  • special-use-camping-area

Special-Use Camping

Many state parks have special-use areas that are designated for group camping, with nonprofit organizations and youth groups having priority.
  • swimming

Swimming

Whether it's hanging out in a quiet lake cove, exploring one of Missouri’s pristine Ozark rivers or plopping in a pool, state parks offer swimming experiences that the entire family can enjoy.
  • wi-fi

Wi-Fi

On your next camping trip, you can get away from it all and still stay connected with free Wi-Fi in some Missouri state park campgrounds.